Kreuter Begins 8-Game Penalty

Concerned about the timing of another appeal, Dodger catcher Chad Kreuter on Wednesday began serving an eight-game suspension ordered against him after a brawl with fans at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

Kreuter had been among four players appealing the initial appeal ruling that upheld suspensions and fines issued for their roles in a May 16 melee in the stands. But Kreuter, persuaded by club officials, dropped his appeal because of the uncertainty of the situation.

The Dodgers feared Kreuter might lose a second appeal after a lengthy process, possibly leaving the team short-handed in the second half. Manager Davey Johnson expressed concerns about roster flexibility after the penalties ordered against Kreuter, left fielder Gary Sheffield, pitcher Carlos Perez and outfielder F.P. Santangelo were upheld.

Perez and Santangelo also indicated Wednesday they might drop their appeals, scheduled to be heard by Commissioner Bud Selig in Atlanta next week. Sheffield said he still plans to appeal a five-game suspension.

Kreuter, who ignited the ninth-inning brawl by entering the stands to detain a fan who struck him on the back of his head and took his cap, had been scheduled to begin serving the suspension last Thursday.

He instead started sitting out Wednesday night and is eligible to resume playing July 16.

Everyday catcher Todd Hundley will handle the majority of the work while Kreuter watches. Jim Leyritz will back up Hundley.

“We got some matters taken care of that were necessary,” said Kreuter’s agent, Scott Boras, “and Chad wanted to take the suspension to help the team.”